Veterans pack Georgia Dome job fair

ATLANTA----With the war in Afghanistan winding down, thousands of military men and women are returning home, eagerly looking for work.

For many of them it's a tough road, but companies are rallying together at major job fairs to make the transition easier.

As part of the NBC program HIRING OUR HEROES, they spread out the red carpet on Thursday at the Georgia Dome.

Close to 1,000 veterans attended, with 60 companies from all over the United States.

"Its extremely difficult with the comfort zone we have. Benefits, medical are all provided; our housing is provided for; we have guaranteed jobs and don't have to worry where the pay check is coming from and in a few months for me, all of that is gone," said Sgt. Chris Cox of the US Air Force.

And Cox is not alone.

"Its been very rough trying to get a job because once you come back you have to transition military skills into civilian words, types, descriptions. So it's very hard to do," said Edwin Nall, a US Army Iraq Veteran.

But top companies ranging from home improvement to fast food, transportation to pharmaceuticals and banking, all understand that dilemma and are looking for top talent

And the Vets are eagerly looking for those jobs.

"I still have hope. I do but I would rather come to events like this than be at home and endlessly look things up on the internet," Nall added.

"I am making some good contacts here and getting some good numbers and hopefully starting to do my processing online," said Bradley Jenkins, a US Navy Iraq veteran.

"These are all extremely military friendly folks in here. Great people to talk with, very helpful and very resourceful," Cox added.

No count yet on how many job offers went out, but the recruitment activity went nonstop.